Simulation Modeling of the Operation of the Toll Plaza with Reversible Lanes

The construction of toll roads depends on the available territory. The limited area often does not allow the construction of a full-fledged toll plaza (hereinafter referred to as TP) with high capacity and many lanes. In such cases, the configuration of TP is linked with the configuration of reversible lanes. Reversible lanes carry traffic and help optimize traffic flow. The challenge is to choose the optimal configuration of a TP that provides the highest capacity (traffic flow increases in both directions) and helps control operators’ errors resulting in traffic congestion problems. The present study estimates TP with reversible lanes throughput capacity in different configurations and traffic flow parameters. The study employs discrete-event simulation modeling in the AnyLogic software environment. Our results show the optimal configuration of the reversible lanes and explain what traffic flow parameters affect their capacity. The paper concludes with practical recommendations on how to effectively apply simulation modeling to a TP operation and optimize it.